I learned that lesson the hard way when I was quite young. If you can't see it, touch it, smell it and use it, don't buy it. It isn't worth the trouble or the hassle. You also risk getting scammed out of a lot of money without any recourse.

If you can buy your machine from somewhere local, you at least have the option to visit the person you bought it from. You can also visit them at all hours of the night to get your money back if they sold you a lemon. :-)

Better yet, save your pennies and see if you can buy a machine from one of the local coffee equipment places in Vancouver,at least that way you can get a warranty on it and support in case you run into problems.

I'm sorry to put a damper on your purchase, but I'd hate to see you burn your money, like I did.

Garbage In, Garbage Out, for every step of the process. From Beans to grinder, grounds to machine, coffee to cup.

My understanding it is like craigslist. There is no guarantees. I would suggest keep looking till you can find something closer unless you have family in Toronto to do the transaction for you and send it to you afterwards.

I don't mind using Ebay because I can pay with the purchase using a credit card via Paypal. If I get screwed, I can call up my credit card company and revoke the charge.Then it becomes an issue between Paypal and the vendor and I'm out of the picture as long as I ship the merchandise back.

With Kijiji and Craigslist, using a CC really isn't an option, unfortunately.

You know, you should check out Espressotec. They're in Richmond, BC.

Good luck!

Garbage In, Garbage Out, for every step of the process. From Beans to grinder, grounds to machine, coffee to cup.

I'm going to get in touch with them in the new year. I started looking at what machine to get and am leaning towards a La Spaziale, not sure about plumbed in or not. However another volumetric machine may fit the bill - I can't find a LS dealer locally.

Cheers Ben

qualin Said:

I don't mind using Ebay because I can pay with the purchase using a credit card via Paypal. If I get screwed, I can call up my credit card company and revoke the charge.Then it becomes an issue between Paypal and the vendor and I'm out of the picture as long as I ship the merchandise back.

With Kijiji and Craigslist, using a CC really isn't an option, unfortunately.

I was able to pick up a used machine from a CG member and am very pleased. Very smooth transaction other than my check was lost in the mail. I later wired him the money, so it cost me a little more to cancel the check and wire the funds.

I have purchased many things long distance but I always try to make sure I am buying from the trusty person or company. I always ask many questions and pictures.... Even then I did have problem with few of the purchases... There are risk buying long distance but also can be very rewarding. Good luck!!!!

Thanks for all the replies. I would have had more confidence if it was a forum member or some other connection but it was a craigslist ad. They ended up not replying to emails or phone calls which is a bit odd when trying to sell something. It looked like a good deal - maybe too good? - a Vivaldi used for a photo shoot being flogged off cheap.

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